The Association of Bragg Spouses presents the 26th annual Yule Mart Craft Fair on Friday, Nov. 18 from 1-7 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 19 from 9 a.m. -  7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 20 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the Crown Arena. The event promises unique gifts for that hard-to-shop-for person in your life. It is also a fun event for children.  

“Yule Mart is handmade craft items and we have over 50 craft vendors, “said Nicole Curry, chairperson of the Yule Mart Craft Fair. “Our main goal is to raise money for our scholarships and welfare grants.” Curry added that Yule Mart is one of their two main fundraisers for the year.    

The event will feature live entertainment, photos with Santa, Santa’s Secret Shop, Mrs. Claus’ Bake Shop and opportunities to win prizes. The bake shop will sell goodies such as cookies, banana loaves, Rice Krispy Treats and gluten-free treats. “We opened the opportunity so that some of our kiddos in Cumberland and Harnett Counties can shine. So we have dance teams, a band and choir students who will perform,” said Curry. “Santa’s Secret Shop is for children to come in and do some shopping for family, friends and pets.” Curry added that there is a volunteer who will go in the shop with the child and assist them while they shop.        

The purpose of the nonprofit group is to develop and foster a spirit of community, to provide opportunities for social, cultural and creative pursuits, and to support service and community projects. Membership is available to active duty members of the United States Armed Forces and their spouses assigned to and residing in the Fort Bragg area. Associate memberships are available to retirees and spouses. The group’s mission is to give monetary donations in scholarships and welfare grants. Last year high school graduates, students in college and military spouses were given funds for their education.  “We try to reach out to organizations in need of help especially when they are supporting our military kids in schools,” said Curry. “Last year we purchased instruments for three schools, sponsored Wounded Warriors and assisted churches and local and national groups.  We are very excited this year and can’t wait to give back to our continuing education spouses, kids and our community,” said Curry. 

General admission is $7 and photos with Santa are $5. The cost for Santa’s Secret Shop is $5. If you would like to volunteer for the event visit www.fortbraggabs.org.